Apps

Gboard for Android gets ‘Scan Text’ OCR feature [Download]

Published

9 months ago

February 22, 2024

I_judge

Gboard is a widely used keyboard application on Android smartphones. Various phone makers use their custom keyboard app, while Gboard has a pretty solid reputation among consumers, thanks to Google’s innovations.

Enhancing the Gboard availability further, Google has now started rolling out the “Scan Text” optical character recognition feature. This new tool is expanding sequentially, and you can find it in the grid of Gboard capabilities.

For easier accessibility, users will be able to drag Scan Text from the grid of Gboard to the toolbar. However, you will have to allow camera access permission to the application so the feature can begin working.

When used Gboard’s Scan Text, you will get a viewfinder, which takes up over half the screen. Simply, tap the button to “Take a photo of words to scan”, Gboard then highlights all the text it sees on the page.

Apart from this, you can tap and drag to select, with a preview appearing and a large “Insert” button. It further enhances the Gbaord usability and provides easier and faster access to OCR compared to Google Lens.

Download Gboard app from Google Play Store

Gboard Scan Text OCR Feature

// Via

Apps

Google Maps lets you report traffic jams and accidents on Apple CarPlay, but not on Android Auto

Published

4 months ago

July 18, 2024

I_judge

Google just added a feature that lets you report accidents, slowdowns, and other road issues directly from your car’s display. Well, it is currently limited to Google Maps on Apple CarPlay.

Similar to Waze, Google Maps on CarPlay now has a button to report accidents, slowdowns, construction, lane closures, stalled vehicles, objects on the road, and even speed traps. Just like before, you can still see reports from other drivers about these issues on your route.

By reporting issues, you can help other drivers avoid traffic jams and accidents. With everyone contributing information, Google Maps can provide more accurate traffic conditions and ETAs.

Unfortunately, Android Auto users are still left out. We’ve been asking Google to add this feature for a while now, so hopefully it’s coming soon!

This feature is new and might not be available to everyone yet. In the meantime, stay safe on the roads and report any issues you see on Google Maps if you’re using CarPlay.

Apps

Google working on a new video editing feature for its Photo app

Published

4 months ago

July 16, 2024

I_judge

Google Photos app is about to take your video editing a step further. A hidden feature found in app version 6.90 hints at an upcoming video speed editor (via Android Authority). This means you’ll be able to ditch third-party apps and adjust video playback directly within Google Photos.

The video editor offers various speeds like 1/4x for super slow-mo or 4x for fast-forwarding. You can even choose to adjust the entire video or just a specific section, perfect for highlighting key moments. It’s still under development, so expect a more user-friendly icon instead of the current “1x” placeholder.

Additionally, future updates might allow you to fine-tune the speed of different parts within the same video for even more control.

This upcoming video speed editor marks a significant upgrade for Google Photos, making it a more comprehensive video editing tool. Keep an eye out for this update to add some fun and flexibility to your video editing experience.

Apps

Google Contacts app testing new Besties Widget

Published

5 months ago

July 4, 2024

Tom Carter

Contacts app’s version 4.35 suggests that Google is working on a Besties Widget. The app’s forthcoming Besties Widget has the exact layout as the Favorite widget and shows starred contacts.

9to5Google spotted that Google Contacts for Android will soon get a new Besties Widget. Meanwhile, the APKTeardown has not revealed the functionality or widget design.

It is expected that the new Besties Widget will replace the Favorite widget. As of now, the widget hasn’t reached its functional stage, however, a future update to the app will bring significant development.

It is assumed that the widget’s development is currently in quite early phases. Recently, the Contacts app updated its individual contact widget with the ability to display notifications.

You can download the app from the Google Play Store for your Android device for free.